When we moved to Brazil, I brought my cheap, Old Navy flip-flops. I'd heard of Havianas, but I thought, "really? what is the big deal about flip-flops?" I used to have lots of problems with my feet, so I didn't really wear flip-flops all that much anyway. Then, my husband bought me a pair for Christmas 2010. My husband routinely buys me gifts that at first I'm not too impressed with, and then they really grow on me. I have to say that these flip-flops are amazing! He got me a pair that has a little thicker sole, with more support. They feel great. But then sadly, a few months ago they broke like this:
I went back to the store where he bought them, and they said I'd just have to buy another pair. I loved them so much, I was willing to shell out the R$30 so I could go back to being comfortable. A few days later, I was riding the bus downtown, and I saw someone on the street corner, selling shoe laces and something else. Replacement straps for Havaianas! Thankfully I hadn't thrown away my old pair, and as luck would have it, a few days later my new pair broke in the same way. And my husband's pair broke too. Last week I finally got around to making a trip downtown, and found a shoelace salesman/Havaiana repairman. For about R$10, I was able to get all 3 pair fixed. I really love how Brazilians will fix things rather than throw them away and buy another. And my feet are happy again.
Do you happen to remember where you found these replacement straps in downtown BH? I have several pairs of flip flops that have broken in the same way and I would rather replace the straps than buy a new pair of flip flops.
ReplyDeleteHi Russell, I can't tell you exactly, but I saw 3 people right around Amazonas, below Alfonso Pena (away from Centro). I think you walk around Praca Sete you will find someone who can help you. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI will give it a look next weekend. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteOh how I sing praises to my Havianas. I totally wore some crap American sandals on my first trip to Brazil and they killed my feet. My friend convinced me to buy a pair of Havianas and I haven't gone back since. I'm going on two years on my first pair and they still keep going. Comfy and awesome.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to keep the replacement guy in mind. I totally would prefer to fix them to buying a new pair.
I too love that about Brazil. They fix things instead of tossing them. It's a beautiful habit to have, that's for sure! My friend's family had their TV fixed while I was there and I was confused as to why they didn't update to a flat screen and toss the old one (other than the whole prohibitive price thing). R$ 30,00 later the TV was fixed!
Repairing and replacing parts is the way to go here! Thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeleteHI, do you know if I can buy these replacement straps anywhere online? I also have a very very favorite pair for which I am dying to get replacement straps, but I can not find them anywhere online. :( any help is appreciated. thank you!
ReplyDeleteI don't live in Brasil so could you describe what repair was being used to take care of the broken straps?
ReplyDeleteWere the broken straps repaired and/or reattached (therefore reused) or were they replaced?
Thank you.
Hi there--my favorite Havaianas recently broke, and I tried to find a place online to buy just the straps, but no luck. Sorry! My suggestion is to buy another pair of havianas and then take out the strap (use soap and water to "lubricate" to remove). Wish I had a better answer!
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